This year there was a bit of a crunch, getting ready for family to visit for the Thanksgiving weekend.  I had the weak feeling of 'will the important parts get done' along about three days before everyone was to arrive.

As I began cleaning and putting away, I realized this was the first time some well loved and well remembered furniture and tableware was going to be used in Ohio, having been transported from my mom's home in Virginia earlier this year.  

My gaze fell on the pie safe that is now in the corner of our living room, used by my grandmother for storing leftovers from dinner (lunch) for suppers (so the wood stove would not have to be reheated).  I enjoyed the polishing one more time.   

As I took out the set of 'blue' china from Aunt Helen, I remembered how her table looked as we gathered around.  There was always the gentle hesitation for who should go first around the table.  It would always be either the oldest or a guest of the family for the day.

As I set about getting ready, some stress began to melt away as I began to remember the preparations that the women in our family had put forth so many times for family gatherings. 

I took down the crystal fruit bowl from Jack's grandmother, remembering the Christmas of 1968 and our first trip as newlyweds to Vermont and Aunt Lena's table, including Grammy's fruit bowl.  I remember a dish she served that was very strange to me - winter squash.  (I remember it was mashed like potatoes and had a bit of a bland flavor.)  Another dish we enjoyed that Christmas was Aunt Mildred's awesome sausage pie baked with mincemeat.  (I have her recipe and have yet to try it!)

In Virginia there would be the angel biscuits that my mother always was counted on to supply plus her potato salad.  Aunt Geraldine would prepare the turkey, dressing, and gravy.  And Aunt Helen could make baked apples that I can still taste in my mind.

In his retirement years Uncle Howard got into the picture with his sugar baked hams.  He had his own recipe for the coating before it went into the oven.  (How I wish I had paid more attention.)

I might add, this year we had even more to be thankful for.  On Tuesday around midnight there was a call from our son Ed.  He and family had decided to start a day early for the drive from New Jersey to Ohio due to weather and had the transmission to fail on their van!  Anna's brother drove from Marysville, Ohio to meet them as they huddled at a gas station along the PA Turnpike and brought them back.